The Choice more than a heartwarming romantic drama – Blu-ray review and giveaway

There’s so much to love about The Choice and it’s not just that it’s a really unique, heartwarming romantic drama with appealing leads. There’s so much more to this movie.

Having read the book by Nicholas Sparks, I noticed that there are differences in the movie and they are necessary changes. Things that work in books don’t always work on the screen, so I applaud screenwriter Bryan Sipe for the well-written script. I did feel that the story progressed a little too quickly, but that’s to be expected in a movie – things have to happen faster than they can in a novel.

Benjamin Walker plays the lead role of Travis, a single man whose friends have all married. He hosts parties for his friends that involve boating, barbecuing and loud music. Teresa Palmer plays his new next-door neighbor Gabby, who at first dislikes Travis, not just because he plays loud music when she’s trying to relax at night, but because she believes his dog Moby has knocked up her female dog, Molly.

There’s a bit of a clash when they first meet, but Travis is a pretty even-keeled person who takes her accusations lightly. Although that doesn’t sit well with her at first, she slowly gets to know him. He’s charming, has a close relationship with his family, tons of friends and loves dogs. What’s not to like? But there’s something standing in their way. Gabby has a boyfriend and even though she’s obviously attracted to Travis, she’s wisely reluctant to move forward – he has a reputation for attracting women easily and getting bored with them just as easily.

As I said earlier, The Choice is not just about romance. It’s about how the choices we make in life, however small they may seem at the time, can affect the future. And some choices are so big (Travis and Gabby both have big choices to make in the film) that we have to be careful when making them. When Travis has almost given up on getting Gabby back, Travis’ friend gives him advice that can change the course of his life, if he listens to her and acts on the advice. That’s what made this movie special – it’s not just entertaining, it has words of wisdom that we can choose to listen to — or not.

The setting is also beautiful and serene. Filmed in North Carolina, most of this movie takes place outdoors. Travis and Gabby live on a beautiful bay and many of the scenes take place there, including the aforementioned BBQs and boating expeditions. At night, Travis relaxes with a beer and gazes across the lake. If you’re in a frazzled state of mind when you begin watching this movie, you’ll feel much more relaxed by the end.

Benjamin Walker is actually a Southerner (he’s from Georgia) and he plays the role of a charming Southern gentleman to perfection. Travis goes through a wide range of emotions in this film and Benjamin hits all the right notes. Teresa Palmer, an Australian actress, also sinks into her role so deeply that she and Benjamin easily make you forget you’re watching a performance.

The supporting cast is just as talented, with Maggie Grace as Travis’s caring but teasing sister Steph and Tom Wilkinson as their widowed father. Tom Welling (Smallville) played Gabby’s boyfriend Ryan, and although we don’t really get to see much of this character, he did a wonderful job with the scenes he did have.

There are two deleted scenes that are worth watching – in one, Travis asks his father what it’s like to lose a wife and his answer is sure to bring tears to your eyes. The other gives more insight into the close relationship Travis has with his sister. Other special features include: Cinematic Choices: Making The Choice; Nicholas Sparks with Ross Katz, Teresa Palmer and Benjamin Walker; Choosing Home: Nicholas Sparks and North Carolina; Molly & Moby: Choice Dogs; Natalia Safran’s Daylight Music Video and Audio Commentary with director Ross Katz and actor Benjamin Walker.

To win a copy of The Choice on Blu-ray, as well as a collection of four DVDs based on books by Nicholas Sparks, please comment below by May 12 to tell us what it is about this movie that appeals most to you.

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Comments & Discussion

jennifer stine • May 4, 2016 @ 2:22 PM

I like that this looks like another Notebook type of movie that really draws you in to the love story.

Kate MacDougall • May 4, 2016 @ 3:14 PM

Love this movie. I read this book a few years ago when I was stuck in an airport through a winter storm. So happy they made it into a movie and i love the fact that it was mostly upcoming actors to give it a fresh twist.

Arturo • May 4, 2016 @ 4:41 PM

Any movie that has Nicholas Sparks name will always be a must-see for me.

Janet • May 4, 2016 @ 6:28 PM

Enjoyed the 2 leads, even though I hadn’t seen them in anything before. That doesn’t always happen. You laugh, you cry, was a good movie. Will see any movie adapted from a Nicholas Sparks book.

Shannon • May 4, 2016 @ 8:33 PM

This is a true love story one you can easily relate to, It makes you feel all of the emotions each character is going through! My favorite movie of the year 🙂

shannon • May 4, 2016 @ 8:41 PM

This is a true love story that you can easily relate to. You can feel every characters emotions they are going through! My favorite movie of the year 🙂

Patricia • May 4, 2016 @ 9:25 PM

It looks like a wonderful movie.

Jessica Beard • May 4, 2016 @ 10:31 PM

I would love to get this movie, because I read the book. It kept you reading and was very interesting. I loved the character development.

Steve Fowler • May 4, 2016 @ 11:38 PM

This movie reminds me of a classic, 90’s love story!

Unita Esau • May 5, 2016 @ 7:52 AM

I have not seen this yet, but I sure do want to

debbie s • May 5, 2016 @ 8:43 AM

it looks so relatable to me.Id love to see it

Sharon B • May 5, 2016 @ 8:50 AM

I love comparing books and the movies based on them. If this movie is as good as the Notebook, I will love it.

kristine hibbs • May 5, 2016 @ 10:43 AM

I love a good Love story!!

Diana Plavins • May 5, 2016 @ 12:43 PM

It looks like a great chick flick to watch with friends

Colin Walther • May 5, 2016 @ 1:06 PM

It’s the most amazing movie ever!

Angie • May 5, 2016 @ 2:22 PM

I loved the chemistry of the characters/actors! After seeing it, I bought the book, just to compare, and was really happy with how it was brought to life!

Deborah Colenutt • May 5, 2016 @ 2:38 PM

Who doesn’t love a love story?

Georgia Bell • May 5, 2016 @ 3:06 PM

I really enjoy a love story so I will be looking forward to seeing this movie!

Tanya • May 5, 2016 @ 5:38 PM

It’s a Nicholas Sparks story. I love his writing and love the movie adaptations of his books.

laura feist • May 5, 2016 @ 9:20 PM

the choice would be my favorite

paula r • May 6, 2016 @ 10:38 AM

I did see the movie and found it enjoyable, girl torn between two men

Mary P. • May 6, 2016 @ 12:24 PM

There isn’t just one thing about this movie that appeals to me. This movie gives me hope! I know that sounds silly but it’s true. Hope that true love is possible. I love the was Gabby plays hard to get and how Travis falls madly in love with her. I love how he chases after her when he thought we he would lose her. I love that he sticks by her side through thick and thin! Lastly, *here comes the cheesy part* I love how he is a vet and eventually takes over his fathers business! Oh, so many feels! Love this movie!!!

kevin r • May 7, 2016 @ 11:37 PM

The storyline was good and I enjoyed watching the movie with my wife

Debbie McClelland • May 9, 2016 @ 1:32 AM

This was a sweet flick and heart-wrenching at times. The way the love relationship unfolded was sweet and it was hard to imagine them ever being apart. It shows how strong love is and how it pulls at your heart strings.

Jennifer • May 10, 2016 @ 1:50 PM

The fact that it’s based off a Nicholas Sparks book is what I find appealing.

Irene • May 12, 2016 @ 7:50 PM

It looks like a great story in a beautiful setting, inspirational and thought provoking.

Catherine • May 12, 2016 @ 10:42 PM

I love the actors, I’ve never seen them in anything before and I loved the setting too. I like movies that aren’t indoors the entire time, makes me feel claustrophobic!